Effects of wood fiber esterification on properties, weatherability and biodurability of wood plastic composites

L Wei; A G McDonald; C Freitag; Jeffrey J Morrell

doi:10.1016/j.polymdegradstab.2013.03.027

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Effects of wood fiber esterification on properties, weatherability and biodurability of wood plastic composites

Journal article

Peer reviewed

Effects of wood fiber esterification on properties, weatherability and biodurability of wood plastic composites

L Wei, A G McDonald, C Freitag and Jeffrey J Morrell

Polymer Degradation and Stability, Vol.98(7), pp.1348-1361

2013

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.polymdegradstab.2013.03.027

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Abstract

biodurability

fiber esterification

photostability

weathering

wood plastic composites

Poplar wood fibers were chemically modified by esterification (acetate, propionate, benzoate) and then compounded with high density polyethylene (HDPE) into wood plastic composites (WPC). The esterified fibers were characterized (spectroscopy, TGA and contact angle) and shown to be more thermally stable and hydrophobic than unmodified fibers. The WPC were characterized for their mechanical and rheological properties, adhesion factor, water resistance, accelerated weathering and biodurability performance. Color change, surface morphology and extent of oxidation on the surface of weathered WPC were monitored using colorimetry, microscopy and FTIR spectroscopy, respectively. Benzoylated fiber based WPC experienced the least surface crazing and color change due to weathering. Esterification of fibers significantly reduced weight losses in the resulting WPC when it was exposed to brown-rot and white-rot fungi as compared to unmodified fiber WPC. Esterification of wood fibers resulted in more biodurable and photostable WPC.

Details

Title: Effects of wood fiber esterification on properties, weatherability and biodurability of wood plastic composites
Authors: L Wei (Author) - University of Idaho, United States
A G McDonald (Author) - University of Idaho, United States
C Freitag (Author) - Oregon State University, United States
Jeffrey J Morrell (Author) - Oregon State University, United States
Publication details: Polymer Degradation and Stability, Vol.98(7), pp.1348-1361
Publisher: Elsevier Ltd.
Date published: 2013
DOI: 10.1016/j.polymdegradstab.2013.03.027
ISSN: 0141-3910; 0141-3910
Organisation Unit: University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; National Centre for Timber Durability and Design Life
Language: English
Record Identifier: 99451388002621
Output Type: Journal article

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Collaboration types: Domestic collaboration
Web Of Science research areas: Polymer Science